Santa Clarita, CA – The FC Valencia Girls Under-12 soccer team captured the 2016 Sports Authority State Cup Governor’s trophy on Saturday at the Silverlakes Soccer Complex in Norco.  The winning goal came late in the second half, off of a short-sided corner kick, giving FC Valencia the title over the Central Coast Condors, 1-0.

 Celebrating the Cup after four grueling weekends played against extremely tough Southern California competition, FC Valencia chalked up eight of nine shutouts on their road to the final match.  Teams from San Luis Obispo to San Diego could not break the determination of the upstart FC Valencia girls who were also battling 40-50 mph winds and pelting rain during their quarter and semi final matches in the Inland empire.  It was in the Round of 16 where the team faced their most brutal competition against the San Marcos Revolution – playing through weather related elements as well as double overtime and ultimately winning 4-3 in penalty kicks to advance to the quarterfinals.

 “Eighty-four teams began the competition and this group of girls went all the way,” said Head Coach Justin Lundin. “I am so proud of them…their hard work this year has really paid off.”

Throughout the competition, the 14-player team scored a grand total of 21 goals with only one goal scored against their solid defense.  Four players each contributed four goals to this overall effort, with five more taking their turns at pounding the net.  In addition to State Cup, FC Valencia comes off of their regular 2015-16 competitive season, playing in the Southern California Developmental League, Flight 3 (North) and finishing at the top of their eight team bracket.

Beginning it’s third year in the Santa Clarita Valley, FC Valencia promotes a vision of developmental youth soccer that focuses on providing professional training, education, and overall player development to its programs. Their competitive teams play throughout Southern California and are sanctioned by the California Youth Soccer Association-South.

 Open tryouts are currently underway to solidify competitive teams for the upcoming 2016-17 season.  FC Valencia also offers recreational programs for boys and girls ages 4-8, with a Spring Session beginning on March 3.  For more information, visit the website at http://fcvalencia.com/